Switching mechanism



June 19, 1928.

J. WICKS SWITCHING MECHANI SM June 19, 1928. 1,674,421

J. wlcKs swITcmNG MECHANIsM Filed April so, 1927 2 sneetssheet 2 @i i I Fig.

Patented J une 19, 1928.

.UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN WICKS, OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS. ASSI-GHOR '.l() RESERVE HOLDING'COMPANY, I KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, A CORPORATION OF DELAVJARE,

SWITCHING MECHANISIVI.

Application filed April 30. 1927.

TheinVentiou relates, broadly stated. to switching` apparat-us employed in automatic telephone exchanges. i tore particularly. the invent-ion is.eoncerned with a novel switching.' mechanism for. selecting trunk l lines. Whenffused as a .Seleetor or for selecting; subscribers* lines.v when used as al connec'tojrj .1.. .,.v

Th'e-principles-involved, and the opera.- tions QLa-utomatic switches used in automatic telephoner-exchanges are well known and shall not be explainedin this specification. Suchapparatus are disclosed for example in the patents.to Keith, Erickson & Erickson` #815,176 and #815,371, both granted March 13, n1906. The switches disclosed in these patents are. controlled by impulses .fren- .erated at a .calling device at the. subscribers station. The term selector is used to designatc afswitch which responds to a digit in'gthe called ysuhscribers directory number and :then rotates automatically to select a trunk -line inthe' group-designated by the digit dialed. The term connector is employed to designate a switch which has direct access to called subscribers line teu minals.= #The connector therefore is respon sive .toftlle tn-'olast digits dialed by a calling subscriber. f v

Although the switches described in the patentsIlisted above have-no immediate bearing,T upon'thevpresent invention, it will great ly assist the understandingV of the description'if the known'- is broadly recalled` brief account of the salient features and operations of the switches and described'in the above patents shall therefore be given.

The essential mechanism consists of a longitudinally and radially-movable shaft pro- 'vided with wipers-adapted to engage ter-- minals arranged in groups in horizontal semi-circular rows or levels.

-The switch as a -Whole involves suitable elcetro-magnetically actuated mechanism for steppingthe: shaft vertically upwards, there.- by'positioning the wipers opposite a certain row "of terminals' containing the desired trunk Aor line, whereupon theshaft is moved radially to select the trunk or Aline within the group. In case of va selector', the. vertical movement is controlled by the calling subscriberfa'nd the rot-ary movement takes place automatically. In case of a connector', however, both movements are under the calling subscribers control.

Serial No. 188,031.

The release of the switch is accomplished upon the subscribers,abandoning thef callt and replacing theirreceivers.l Therelease magnet energizes. causing the shaft lto rotate hack hy force of aspiralN spring and to: drop then vertically into .its normal position by Ytorce ot'gravit. Summarizing. the featuresyof .thepl'usua'li vertical and xrotary; switch, theshaft, orl rather to say..t.he wipers describe anangular'A motion.. namely,vertically. upwards, hori-. '/.ontally within .a certain level,- and back.. again during .release along., thesamel path, nach movement being controlledby a distinct and separate magnet. The switch is lthus provided with three.operatingmagnets, thel vertical` the. rotary, andthe release magnet, each executinglr solely thecOrreSpondingoperation .of the mechanism; 1.,.

It will be seen` presently that .theinstant invention represents a complete departure from the .usuahthat is .to say, that entirely' differentv and novel princi-pleshavebeen em. ployed in thedesignand operation ofthe mechanism. The most conspicuous features,v however, vwhich distinguish. the disclosed.V switch from the old and well known-'appaQ4 ratus will now; be. Outlined. I

In the usual .switch the terminals :ofy trunk lines or subscribers lines are arranged honi,-l zontally inlgroups, one group located above the other. lVipers are therefore moved verf.- tieally to select the desired-.row or level and" then horizontally within the selected rote-or. level to engage a certaintrunk or'line.,

l Each trunk-.or line consists, asfs Well, known, of a plurality of conductors, whichl must be made accessible to asmany. switches. as are necessaryf to take care oftherdz'raic.I The terminals accessible to a SWitChmay .beI made from sheet metal,or the like, and em.-i bedded inv insulating lmateriah formin an individual terminal-bank for each. switch. These terminals are usually multipled by exible urnper wires or cables with the cor-- responding terminals 'of as. many switches. as required. i It will be understood that thisv arrangement necessitates relatively expensive terminal banksapart from having other inherent disadvanta es which are ,'W'ell known to every one amiliar .with the lSub-. ject. f'g

It is one-object of the presentinvention to eliminate the usual terminal bank findividual to each switchwbyproviding bare wire terminals, e. g., bare wires which are suspended betwccn two points, and accessible to the wipers of a plurality of switches. Thus, individual terminal banks, and connections between the banks, are entirely eliminated. The wires may be suspended vertically in groups, one group adjacent to the other, and the switches may be mounted in front or in back of the terminal wires. If connection with a certain trunk is desired, the wipers of the' corresponding switch are subjected first to a motion in a certain direction to select thc group, and'then to movement in a right angle to the first motion to select the ltrunk or line within-the selected group.

The switching mechanismv disclosed in the present invention is particularly vwell adapted'for usin" bareavire terminals'ot the sort intimated a ove" It consists of interlocked "carriages More specifically, the wipers are fastenedtoa' carriage which has movement', inacertain direction, and issecurid by'a locking.' arrangement to a main carriage which'liasin'ovment in a'di'rection in right angle'tofthe first movement. Initially, 'the mainl carriage "is'actuated, and, since'the wiper carriage is locked to the main carriage, it willmbe "evident that the wipers will be subjectedito a first movement to select.l a Certain 'group' of terminals. After the group hasv been selected, the wiper carria e is unlocked `from the main carriage and t e main' carriagel islocled in the attained'po'sition. The wiper carriage is then moved in a right angle to thefirst motion, the wipers brushing over the 'contact-s in the selected group to select,l an idle -trunk line it' the switch is used "'as' a selector, or a subscribers line if'the 'switch isgused as a connector. y

The carriage actuating apparatus is common for imparting the movement to both carriages It. consists of a' drum provided with ratchet-s.' The drum vcarries a steel ribbon which extends over a roller en the main carriage and is attached to the wiper carriage. An escapement serves to impart movement tothe drum for` unwinding the steel ribbon. If both carriages are locked to each other',`movement is possible only in one direction. After unlocking the wiper carriagefrom the mainfcarriage, the escapement is operated aga-1n unwnding the steel ribbon .'urther. V'The main carriage being loclred at this time, a further movement in the same direction is impossible. However, the wiper carriage being unlocked from the main carriage,`a further unwinding of the steel ribbon will be effective 'tofthe' wiper carriage in al direction' which is in right angle to the first movement.

,The release of the1 mechanism to normal position takes place upon` a vcall being abandoned by the subscriber. A magneti's operated at that time imparting movement to the drum in a direction contrary'to thc settin;T movement. This will result in winding the steel ribbon upon the drum, thereby withdrawing the wiper carriage, and the from the above cursory account that 'I 'have' employed'entirely novel principles resulting in the design of a very simple apparatus which accomplishes the sameresults'a's the known device without-impairing 'the re'- liability 4ot operation. AIt will be apparent later on'that there are a variety of features., objects" and advantages apart vfroin those suggested in the' foregoing paragraphs'. A detailed description of the invention shall now be'presented with reference to the drawings comprising Figs'. 1 -5,`inclusive, which form a part of this' specification.

Fig. 1 shows a top `view of the switch mechanism, the terminals being' shown in section in the lower rightfhand'partiofthis figure. 'H 'A' i Fig. 2 is a side view ofthe switch shown in Fig. 1. Some of the: parts have been omitted in this gure in order tovkeep the drawing' as clear and as simple asrpossible, and some of the parts have been shown in section. 'A

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement'of the Twipers and of the terminals.

Fig. 4 shows the circuit of a switch -as disclosed in the present invention when used as a selector switch.

Fig. 5 shows the circuit of a switch -disclosed in the present invention 'when used as a. connect-or switch.

In Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, like parts are numbered alike, and 'I shall, in the course ot the following discussion refer to a certain figure only if necessary for a clear understanding.

In Figs. '4 and 5,the Ausual symbols have been employedv for showing the various parts in the conventional manner. A plurality of batteries land ground connections have been shown in these figures. It'will be understood of course that this has been done for con'- ve-nience of description only and that there is in reality only one'battery with one pole grounded.

Referring nowto the drawings shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, it :will be seen thatv the titi switch comprises an actuating mechanism consisting ot a magnet designated 1. which operates an escapement 4 to impart movement to thc drum 5. \Vhen this magnet is operated step-hy-step by impulses `generated at a calling subscribers dial, thc steel ribbon S will be moved in a direction indicated by the arrow. flienever the magnet designated 50 operated, the drum 5 will move in reverse direction moving the steel ribbon 8 accordingly. 'lhe magnet 50 is the release magnet. ot the mechanism and will be operated -to actuatc the armature 52 and thereby the pawl 53 in a buzzer like manner to iin'- part movement-to the drum 5 in an anticlock-wise direction. i

The steel ribbon 8, it will he seen, is fastenedto lthe Wipercarriage--10 and is supportedv on .theroller 9 which fis fastened to the main.carriage 14. The wiper carriage 10is-'provided with a projection '11 which terminates in a hook. The shape of the projection and -of the hook is best seen in Fig. 2. The main carriage 14 is provided with a bracket. 15 to which is pivoted an arm .16. In normal position of the apparatus, the wiper carriage 10 will he locked against movement and will be secured to the main carriage 14 by means of the movable' arm 16 which catches the hook on projection 11 of the wiper carriage 10. The bracket 15 of the main carriagej14 is at its upperendprovided with aV movabie locking arm 17 which has a projection 17.- This arm 17 is normally resting on the vmovable arm 16 and thereby prevented from movement which would otherwiset-ake place on account of the spring 41 which is-at'one end attached tothe arm. 17 and at the other end to the bracket 15.'

The main carriage is also provided with four rollers 20, 21i 22 and which adapt it to move alonglr the tracks provided von the mounting plate 24.

It will' lbe apparent from the drawings that theanovelncnt of the main carriage is entirely dependent on the. movement of the steel ribbon 8. Should the escapement magnet 1 be actuated, the steel ribbon will be unwound 4and move in the direction of the arrow, thereby permittingr the main carriage 14 to move along the tracks on the mounting plate 24. VIn order to achieve the movement of themain carriage. a spiral spring 43 is provided which is at one end fastened to the movable carriage 14 and at the other end may be fastened to a convenient point on the mountingr pla-te 24.

When the main carriage is initially moved the Wiper carriage 1 0 will Vparticipa-te in the movement thereby ino\fing.the wipers-which are fastened tot-hc arm 38, to position them opposite-.a certa-in group of. terminals. A magnet 26 is provided .on the mounting plate .24. This magnet when operated is adapted-to t-ilt the bar 29 which is pivoted in th(` brackets 30 and 31. Referring particularly to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the har 29 when moved by the operation of the magnet 26, will unlock the wiper carriage 10 from the main carriage 14 by moving the arm 16 to the left and liberating thereby the hook which is provided on the projection 11 of the wiper carriage 1(l. Simultaneously with unlocking the wiper carriage from thc main carriage 14, the arm 12 which is movably mounted on the projection 11 of the wiper carriage will be n'iovedto the right against the tension of thc spring 42. The upper part of the arm 16 will move-to the right under the action of the bar-29. The locking lever'17 mounted pivotally on the bracket 15-Wil1 now move under-tlietension. of spring 41 and the upper fend ofthe arm 16 will engage the opening 40-intlie;lock'- ing lever 17. At the'` same'time'the projection 17 on the looking lever '17"will engage one ofthe notches 195i'nf t-helocking bar 18. The notch engagedby -tlie'projection 17 of the locking lever 17:corresponds of course to the group -ofbank'terminals to which thewipers have fbeen moved.

The cscapementanaenet 1l is then operated again to unwind tlie steel ribbon- 8 further. A further movement Vofthe main carriage in the same direction is preventedat this time on account of the-locking lever-17 engaging the 'locking Darf-18. Thewiper carriage 10 isunlocked 'at this instant fromengagement with-'the lmain'carriage-14.l -A further actuation of the lescapement magnet 1 will therefore result in a' movem-enttof'the Wiper carriagev 10 'along the tracks. 32 and 33 which vare en'g'faged` by the-wheels 34, '35, 36 and 37, provided on the wipervcarriage. The tracks 32 and' 33 it will be seen-are fastened to the main carriage 14. The movement of the Wiper carriage is'achievedi'by means of the spring -391 which has a tendency to pull the Wiper carriage 10'in a right. angle away from the main carriage. The extent to which the pull of the springiBS) can be effect-ive is, it will be obvious, dependent on the extent of uli-Winding 4the steel ribbon 8. The wipericarriage moves thus the arm 38 fwhich at itslower end carries the wipers 44,45 and 46. These wipers brush over the terminal group selected by the first movement.`1v The select-ion o'fterminals will be described in connection with the explanation of the Acircuits shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Returning to the description of the'movement of the vWiper .carriage 10, it .will be recalled that when magnet 26 was' operated the bar 29 was tilted to unlock? the wiper carriage -from engagement with the main carriage. At the same time the .lever 12-was moved against the tension of spring l42. The magnet 26, after havi'ng'accompli'shed the unlocking of the,` wiper carriage.- from Il t) -to normal position.

gized and dcenergized in rapidl succession,

thereby operating the armature 52 and the pawl 53. The drum 5 is thereby moved in a; direction contrary to the setting movement. This results lirst in withdrawing the wiper carriage 10, and thereby the Wipers, from engagement with the terminals.. In vthe course' of its` release mot-ion, the Wiper earriage will attain the position in which. it is shown in Fig. 2. Shortly before this occurs, the arm 12 will strike the locking lever 17v and lift the same against the tension ofthe:

spring. 41.. This amounts ofcourse toy anV unlockmfr of the main carriage 14 by releasing tilie main carriage from engagement wlth the locking bar 18: mul-permitting the locking arm 16 to engage-the-Jioolt provided.

on the projection 11 of the wiper carriage. A. further movement is therefore prevented. However, both carriages willi now move back An oil-normal .Contact isshow-nat 56 mounted on al bracket 57 which in turn issecured tozthe-mounting plate 24. Themain carriage-'operates this off-normal Contact amd thereby-1finterrupts' the circuit of the release magnetO. .-The mechanism has now returned to normal position as' shown in the dra-wing and is: ready to be used for another call.l The operation of' the mechanism Ywill be more. .clearly understood from the description of the circuits shown inFigs. 4- and 5.

The arrange-mentothcterminals accessible to: theswitching mechanism explained in the l foregoing paragraphs sha-ll vnofw be discussed somewhat more indetail;

4.The-terminals shown in the right hand.-I lowcr corner of F 1g. 1. are shownrn crosssection. In Fig. 3, a part of these terminals and the wipers-of the switchare shown in perspective. These terminals consist of' bare wires suspended vertically (orv horizontally) between two convenient points. The switches are located with respect to the terminals, as is show-.n in Fig. 1.A Intermediate supports may be provided to prevent vibration of the terminal Wires. lin'the drawings, the wires have been shown to-be of rectangular cross-section. However, it will bey understood that circular wires may be used as Well.

One set of contacts belonging to a trunk or to a line, comprises three terminal wires. One of the sets of contacts-has been designated with 47, 48 and 49. A. plurality of such sets of contacts are arranged. in aA ro-W Lem-,4.21

and these rows are located adjacent to eachother.. .Two contacts, 'for example 47 amd 48, or 47. and 49, may be the line contacts.. One contact, which may be either Contact 48 ouv contact 49 in accordance with what arrangement is chosen, may be the terminal representing the release trunk. Il? the contacts 47 and 49 zure line contacts, for exaimple,.thev corresponding release contact: will be contact 48. If, on' the other hand, the contacts 47 and 4'8 are the line contacts, the corresponding release terminal: will be 49. lt will be readily from Fig. 3, that the contacts may be accessible to a number of switches depending on. the; height -Ur length of the suspended terminal wiresand it will also be seen trom this figure, how the wipers of a switch, which are designated 44,A .45 and 46,. gain access to the terminals within the rows.

-Tlle operation of the swtch'lmeehansm willfnow be explained Withreference toe-fthe circuits shown 4 awel 5. Fig..4 represents a; selector, andfreceives'one vseries of impulses generated at recalling subsori'bers: substation which series corresponds'A to a: certain dig-itin: the calledv subsc-ribers directory number. In response-tov the impulses the wipers Willfloe moved' and'lwill: thereby be positioned'opposite acertain row ofi'contacts. mechanism# is then operated-anar tematica-Illy to' move the wipers' in alright`- angle to lthe 'first movement fto; ca-use thereby. the selection of aan 'idle set of terminals withi-n the seleetedirow'. Thoperation oi'th'e switch shown ifns' Fig. '4 isos-follows :ff l` The switch may be accessible toi afpreceding selector switch 'or it may be accessible to a subseribers lineswitch. Wlhenthe switch is selected, acircuitwillftieclos'ed'for operationfof the' line relay 5; whichl energizes over the calling'subscrilers line l'oopfby'fw'ay:

of' the linefconductors` 2 and 4; Relay 5 operates its armature 6 closngjtlereby a circuit for the release relay 10. Thisp'relay is normally short eireuitedoverfthe normallyV closed contacts controlled byarmatuije' 6' to" battery over resistance 8.' A.t'jit's' -arrrlature I1' the relay completes a circui'tfor tlrefenergization of the relay 1,5fronf'r ground, closed' off-'normal springs 9, xarmature, v11j and its make contact, resistance'28, lower Winding of relay 15, armature 21'and its resti-ng contact, normally closedv contacts' controlled by armature 48, winding of 'relay 25andwi'nding of the motor magnet 30, tobattery.' The motor magnet and' the 're-lay 25 Ado not operate in this circuit oiiaccount' of the high resistance of the lower. winding of relay 15 and the resistance 28. At armature 12 the relay 10 connects ground to the release trunk in order to hold the preceding switcl'i or switchesin operated position; at armature 13 a circuit is prepared for the testing'andz switching relay at armature 14 a holding: circuit is prepared for the upper windingfof relay-15,; and at armature22,-the relay 10 disconnects the release magnet 40, at the same time preparing a circuit for the switching magnet 35. u

When relay 15 operates it switches its armature 16 into alternate position, thereby disconnectingfthe line conductor 2 from the operating .circuits and connecting ground from the normallyclosed.contacts controlled byfarmaturejfi, to the' armature 11 of relay 10. `:Armatur-c1211 is now grounded from the ofl'fnrmalsprings. 9 and from' :the normally closed contacts controlled -by--armature 46. The latteragroundl connection replaces the former during the. stepping movement after the ofilnormal :springs 9. have -been opened. At armature. 17, the relay v 15= connects` its upper .wind-ing to the now .-'closed -contacto't` armature 14u? 'Ifhe-.u`pr`per` winding ofrelay 15 i'sv at :tlierfpresent V tirriefshort circuited from' armature 6 zofirelay. ..This of course renders the relay 15 slowactinga- -At armature 18,::the.'relayopensY a p'int in :the energizing `circuit of'r'elayz520. The latter relay serves the@urposeffof'feeding talking current toaxcalledsubseriber and its operation will be described presently. At armature v19, relay 15.=separat`s 'the incoming line conductor l#from `ltli`e.. )perating` circuits.

VIt willi be2 well to remember that the magnetSO shownl lin` this drawing -corresponds to the motor magnet 1 -shoivn in Fig. 1, while-the--magnet .S51-corresponds to the switching lnagnet-26 shown in Fig. 1. The switclnis no'w in 'readiness to receive the in npulsesr'gener'ated fat-the subscriber-s Sta- LIOII. f

'The operation' of the"callingldevice at the subscribers station results in the 'transmission of impulses".toffthe`.linel'relay 5, whose circuit-will'l)e .interrupted a plurality of times in -rapids'ucce'ssion- The impulses deliveredto, the line relay 5 Acorrespond to the digit dialed 'by the calling subscriber. The motori-magnet 30,2which'corresponds to the motor magnet: '1 in Figal, will-now be. operatedin accordance .with the dialed vimulses and Will actuatefthe escapement '4 in ign 1, 'allowing the drum 5 to unwind the steel r0pe'8.' The unwinding 'of the steel rope 8 permitsftlie spring 43 to exercise a pulling action' on the carriage-14 moving the carriage along its tracks. Since -the wiper carriageI 10`isf=locked to4 the main carriage, the Wipers will follow this movement and will bepositioned opposite a certain row of terminals. The 'actuation of the motor'magnet 30 in responseto the impulses-transmitted to-the line relay 5, 'takes place as follows:

It will be recalled that the motor magnet 30 and the 'slow-acting series relay 25 were connected in series with the lower winding of relay and the resistance 28 to ground on off-normal springs =9. The relay lwas energized, while the motor magnet 30 and the slow-acting relay were prevented from operating on account of the high resistancevof the lower winding of relay 1.5 and of. the resistance 28. When the line relay 5 deenergizes for the first time, in respense to the transmission of the first impulse, its armatures move to normal position in which they are shown in the drawing. This results-in the elimination of the lower Winding of relay 15 in series With the resistance 28. `A direct ground impulse is now transmitted to the motor magnet in series -with the slow-acting relay 25. This circuitmay be traced from ground,ofnor mala contacts9, armature 11 and its'make contact,restingcontact and armature 7, normal Contact controlled by armature 48, windingof relay 25, winding of them'otor magnet 30, to attery. The relay 251energizes intseries with` the motormagnet -30 and opens at itsarmature 26 a point in the-'circuit of the switching magnet 35. Relay 25 is slow-acting and 4 rem-ains energized throughout the transmission of impulses to the motor magnet 30. =Relay 15 which was rendered slow-actingprior to the'transmission of the first impulse, due to the short circuit around its upper Winding, does not release in spite of the fact that its lower windingr is being short-circuited at the contacts onfarmature7. Whenever the line relayv 5 deenergizes a circuit is closed for the upper winding of relay 15 to secure the energization of this relay. This lattercir'cuit extends over-the resistance 81and'the normally closed conta-cts controlledby armature 6. Relay 10 which was originally energized upon th'e operation oflinerelay 5 does not release during the transmission of impulses but remains operatedin series with the upper Winding of relay 15. Therefore, 'during the 'transmission of impulses,the relays A10, 15 and 25 will stay operated. l I

fAll onormal springs will be switched when the main carriage designated 14, in Fig. 1, moves out of its normal position. Springs 9 open and disconnect round from the armature 11 of relay y10. owever, this armature still remains grounded from the normally closed contacts controlled by armature 46. Off-normal springs27 and 29 close to 'prepare circuits which are at' the present time of no consequence and 'shall be described later. The second and the following'impulses belonging to the digit delivered to the line relay'5 aretransmitted to the' motor magnet 30 over the same path'as the first impulse with the exception-that ground is supplied from the normall closed contacts controlled by'armature 16 y way of armature 16 and its "make contact. v,

Upon the termination of the transmission of the digit, the wipers-must be moved within the selected row of bank contacts to inake engagement with'a-n idle set of bank contacts or, in other words, to select an idle trunk line. The next operation necessary is, therefore, to unlock the wiper carriage 1U from-engagement with the main carriage 14 and1t0 lock thciinain carriage against further movement. Thisfit will be remembered isf-done lay-operating the magnet 26 shown in .Fig 1 and 'thereby tilting; the bar 29. Thexnagnetf in Fig. 4 corresponds to the magnet 26 in Fig. l.l This magnet must energize now. Upon the termination of the digit'- tlie series .relay 25 deenergizes and closes its arnn-.itnre 2G thereby completing theoircuit 4for x.magnet 35 from battery, Lindrlngof magnet-3.5, armature 26 and its 'resting' con-tact, malte -contact and armature 22; 'resting contact and armature-47,':clo'sed otfenormal springs 29, -to ground; T he wiper carniaged 'is nouwunlocked from eng-age.` mentwithy the main .carriage 14, while the lattends locked .in engagement with the lockhigher-designated .18 iii-Fig. 1. fr further seto-.impulses must bedelivered now to the motormagnet 30, or rather to say` the motor magnct() must. be operated interi-nittently ingorder to .unwindthesteel rope 8 further topermit the wiper carriage 10 to move for the purpose o'f .hunting for an idle trunk line within the selected row. This is done as follows.

45..- V-.hen the switching` magnet 35 operates, it c-.loses.it's...u=1nature v 36, thereby connecting the motor inanjnet 80 in parallel to its own Windingt--= llhe-motor magnet '30 therefore. receives .an Eimpulseand actuates the escapem ent4- in-1 theusualgn'xanner. to permit the further.. univindi-ng. ofthe steel rope 8 from the drum.'5. The -wipeiscli and are non'. 4.in engagieinen t with the first set of bank contacts ,in the' corresponding row. The further operation ofthe switch depends en the busy -or idle conditiono the 'trunk with which the. wipers have made engagement.

..Iithe selected trunk .is "busy, the motor magnet L mustreive another impulse to permitfurther .movement of the wiper carriage. Ifthe selected trunk is idle, however, thegcircu-itot the motor .magnet must be o ,pened and the sxvitchvmust. be :locked in the. position 'with the wipers engaging;r the -selegtcdtrunle jIt will be `seen thatthe wiper 351. .which the 'test or private wiper ofthe switch :is at the present time connected to .the upper winding of relay .45' by way of armature 113 -and itsmake contact.A .The upper Winding .of- .relay 'is' connected` in series Witlvithe lowerg winding to ground. The

testing method adopted inthe present case consists inghanging the potential on the .re lease trunk. lTo explain; this-alittle fur.- ther, it may .be pointed out that the test relay 45,has -ahigh resistance Winding and a low resistance Winding. During testing, both windings. .elfe @erected iii--Seriesnd the relay requires for lits energizaton a certain potential on the release conductor offthe selected trunk. This potential is. present if thc selected trunk is idle. In case these; lected trunk is busy, that is, incase another lswitch such as the one shown-in Fig. 4 has already selected the trunk, the switching relay of that switch, corresponding tothe relay 45, will be in cnergizedpositiomand will have eliminated fits high" resistance' winding, thereby changingr the potential on the test terminal of the trunk.l Now, if the test and switching-relay-45 of the presentswitch should engage a test-yterniinalfyvhich is connected to ground'overa 10W fresistance of another test relay such-as 45 of another switclrsuch as shown in Fig.V 4,"1itis1evident that thetest relay 45 is'brevented-.ffromfop-- erating on account of gbeingf'sho'rt circuit'ed to ground onethe-busy test terminala' Thus, the energization of'ftlie ftestrrelayon a busy trunk is. prevented;-

A trunk. is=idle if :itsl testte "Inal such for example as terminali-Sais connected-:mo battery in the .succeeding switch over"4 the winding of a certain relay/,such forfinstanoe asvrclay 50. in Fig..5. v"If suclracoriditioneirists, the relay 45 will-.energiz'e frornubatA` tery on the test terminal',iwipers34,armature 13 audits-make Contact, and its? los'vf'fre'sistance winding -in seriesA with-sits. high-resist- It shalt `lie-assumed irstrthatithektrunk l ine, encountered f with the first step iof the wipercarriage,-is1lbusy; The testi-mnd switching i -relay- 45 vis therefore Ishunted Eto ground on the test terminal and cannot operate. The .motor :magnet 30 uponexrergizing actuates the-armature 31 intemupting'ithereby: its ownci-rcuitQwhi-ch--extends-to ground on the ofi-,normal Asprings-129. ..In' deene'rgiae ing, the motor .magnet 30- closes. .fthe @armani-= ture 312 arain-,htherebycompleting=itsnownr circuit. he magnet 30':mceives therefore another impulse :and-i unwinds thel steel. rope. 8 by a further step;I v4'Thus thefzwipersiaref posi tioned on the 4next -setrof -ba-nk contacts;- Should this set be busy, a furtherimpuiseis delivered vto the. moton'magneto in the same manner as eX-plaineda'nd the steel rope 8 is .unwound'further- This. action continues until an idletrunk is found.

.Assuming that the idle trunk is the on having the terminals 37, 39 and 538;. the :relay- 45 will operate .and move itsv armature 47 into alternate position, thereby disconnecting the switching magnetad the-.motor magnet 30.to prevent lfurther.synovenien't ofE the Wipers..-It7will bezrseen that whene the armature 47 is in alternate position, the high resistance winding of .thetesting and switching relay 45 is short cirouited, =and; that-die rect ,ground is connected .t0-the low. -resistf ance Winding of relay 45. The. short..eir..

@uiting of. the high resistance. winding changes the potential on the private terminal of the selected trunk line, preventing the switching relay of another switch from operating on this trunk line. At armatures 46 and 48, the relay 45 switches the talking conductors through to the succeeding switch. The series relay 'and the motor magnet 3 0 are thereby disconnected at armature 48. A

The lower winding of relay 15 is :now bridged across the talkingr conductors ofthe succeeding switch as follows: Terminal 37, wiper 32, armature 46 and itsmake contact, armature 16 .and its make contact," armature 11 and its make contact, resistance 28,:lower winding .of relay 15, armature: .21 and its resting contant, make vcontactand armature 48,-wiper 33,terminal 38. If-it-isassumed that the trunk line connected with. leads to a connector ssuch as the one shown in Figl 5, it will 'be seen, that the lower winding o'f relay 15 `is nowconnected to battery' and ground over` circuit including the upper talkingconductor 57 of.tl1e.connector.,.and the Aarmatures 81 and 71, Winding-of the slow acting relay .60, to th'ezmotor magnet 66 and to battery. vThe motor magnet- 66 of `Course corresponds to the ,motor magnet 1 in Fig. 1 since it is assumedthat theconnector illustrated in F ig..5 is ofthe struc-v ture shown in Fig. 1.: The other.side ofthe connection extends over'armatures 86-and-73 to ground. The relay '151.fof the ssel'ector therefore remains in operated v-positionr .s

- Vhen the connector F ig.: 5. is seizediin thc manner described in the Eforegoing. paix-a.- graphs,l a circuit is'closed for theien'ergizing winding of the1holding'relay.50.if 'l`=his"re lay energizes in series with the-testingr and switching relay of the selectoribyway-iof test terminal ,39, release trunk 58, .closed off-normal .springs 54, lower ,winding of.- relay 50, to battery. Upon operating-.thefrelay connects itself in.a holding .circuit including itsiupper winding and its armature 51. The switching relay\45 shortcir-` cuits Vits high resistance winding ,to-A guard the connector against seizure from'another hunting selector. At armature 52, the-re-. lay 50 disconnects the'ielease magnet 64 and connects ground to conductor=99,there by preparing various circuits whichwwill be explained later. The motor magnet 66 is normally connected to the upper-talking conductor '5T in series withthe-slow act-A ingl relay and the armatures. 71Va-nd 81. The lower talking .conductor `59 -is normally connected to ground over armatures 86 and 73. The preceding selector has connected the relay lacross the talking conductors.- A circuit is .therefore closed including the winding of the motor magnet 66, winding of relay 60, and lower Winding of relay 15 in the selector. The relay 15 is in this manner kept energized whileigthe relay 60 nud the 'motor magnet .G6-o the connector cannot energize on accountlot` the high resistance ol relay 15. 'The connector is now prepared .for receiving the first series ot impulses. .z n i; When-'the calling subscriber operates-his dialling device, the loop circuitincluding the i.inerelay 5.01? the selector is interrupted a plurality of timesaccording to the digit dialed.' Whenever the relay 5 responds to un interruption of the! loop circuit and deeneijgizes, it-moves its=armature -7 into the positionfshowninthe vdrawing,thereby short circuitingthe high rziesistancewinding of relay-:lzand providing annomentary loop circuit to :thecnnector'which includes only the slo\v-acting relay 60 andithe mot-or. magnt:-66. r:Phe relayi 60 .and theinotorinagiiet 66 :operate now winfeeries.-` Relay 60c remains operated during the entire transmission .of the impulseson;accoi1nt oibeing slow-actin g. 'lhe motormagnet 66,1howe'ver, responds to t-he impulses intermittentlyand operates the escape1ncntf4 asf'lwas'galready described, in orden to .move the; inainl carriage to position the wipers19l,'. 92a and 193 opposite the level in. which the-idesired .Esubscribers line' terxninals ,are located: In fthe-interval between the units and-tens `digits relay..=60 will .deenergizef .and complete.- thereby aucircuit for the vswltchinvlniagnet l90, which i corresponds to :thefsivitc ling-magnet 26 shown in F ig.' 1.-f.= l`hisz` circuit;eittends4g from ground,- :offnornial `springs: 56,2 ina-ke cont-act: -and armature-e 53, armature 63;' andi. -i-ts resting. contact, arnmturefx, vand 'its'f:,restingzwcontac windingl ot .the switchin'gnnagnet E90 4to =bat-. teity." The 1switching.'magnet-I performs its functions .in .the usual. manner-,f unlocking the wipemcarriage Afrom the'inain carriage. andlock-ing the inaifn carriage to the locking bar; .lhen--theilast train-ofy impulses are rives` relay160.-operates.1again in: series with the anotortinagnet-GG and rcxnainsin operated position throughoutthe transmission of iin.- pul'ses. The -inoiorl magnet- 66 again operates -interinittently,lmoving theA wiper carriage in the usual manner to position .the wipers 91,- 92und 93zupon-.the terminals of the wantedf-subscribeiis:.line. The further operation :of .the switch depends :onl :the busy or idle condition .of-.the called'line.

lIf the desired line is busy,-there will be groundpotentialon the private terminal 95. 'lheprivate wiper-'925s now inconnection withl the private terminal and when the connectioinfio1n-A th private .wiper '92 -is followed, it=will .be,seen.that ,the busy relay 70.- is connectedtofthis-wiper -over the armaturesz83iand 62.-:If.= tlieline'is busyfthe relay 70 energizes in: .the abovecircuit and connects. busy tone -.to the upper "line conduotorat its armature74erE Attsiarmature E2 the busy relaynprovides-Ha locking circuit ;or it'self'wvhch is'..vetfective after the deenergization of relay upon the termination1o-f theimpulse transmission. The locking circuit extends from ground, armature 52 .and its-make Contact, armature 72 and its make contact, resting contact controlled by armature 62, winding of relay 70, to battery way of armature 83 ofthe switching relay'BO. At armatures 7l and 73, the busy relay 71.) disconnects the loop circuit extending back tothe preceding selector in order to prevent operation of themotor magnet in case the -subseriber should attempt to manipulate hisfcalling'ldevice fora .further digit. When ittica subscriber responds, to the busy signal-an'd replaces his receiver, release will take: plne- 1in alitiannerfwhiclrshall be described-..present1y,.... -z =l;t rthe.=desireb subscribers line isv idle, there.will` bein() ground :potential 0n the private/.terminal 33e-Relay .70 will thereforememai'n 1in' normal. position. Relay -60 deenergiaes, shortly .after thefftermination of the impulse .transmission and moves the armature 62 in the position shown in the drawing. .Willenithis'occurg a circuit will be.closed tor `the-Operation .of the switching relay-,80, from-ground.,- armature 52 of relay.:50.,foonduetomiarmature 72 andy its resting: cnntaci upper -winding of the switching 1relay80,resting contact and armatuxe.g2,:.f.wiperr92,iterminal .95, to battery bylbvay ofthe linerelay 'of :the calledsubseriberlsr-vlineswitch.which. has not been shown .in corrler i .to .avoid unnecessary complication-in the drawingsiA 1U ponoperating, the switching-relay locks itselfover its lowenfwindi-ng :and rits armature 84 to grounded armature.A 52. '-.At armature 83 .the switchingrelaydisconnects-.the busy relay;

.. at.\armature..'88 .it connects ground to the private conductor .of the called subscribers line in order toguard the line against seiz-Y ure fromvanother connector; at' armature 81 the limpulsing v circuit zis disconnected and a point .in fthetalking-fcireui't i is closed at armatures B2-and 85 the line is switched througl-xto the ringing circuit; at armature 86 .the-talking circuit .is prepared over the lower line conductorand the circuit of the switching .magnet 90 is disconnected.

. Ringing-.current -is now transmitted to the calledline from an intermittent ringing current source, conductor 79, upper .winding of the'ringwutcf relay 75,: resting con-v tact and-'armature 76,.armatnre -82 and its make contact, wiper 9.1, terminal 94, bell of the called substation, and back over .the

lower talking conductor -to the terminal-96,` wiper 93,1 make contact .and armature 85,

^ armature 78 -andits resting contact, -to' groundwfltinging:current is applied to the above-circuit intermittently as usual. .When the called: subscriber replies by removing his receiver', the bell is disconnected and .a direct current circuit is closed for the energization of the ring-cut-ol relay, 75. This relay energizcs and disconnects atits armatures 7G and 78 the 'ringing current', at the same time completing -the talking circuit at these armatures. At its armature 77 the ringr cut-oll` relay locks itself to ground at armature 52.

Returning for a moment to the'opemtion ol the selector shown in Fig. 4, it will'be rel member-ed that the relay. 15 .was .connected across the talking conductors. '-Duringthe' transmission of impulses this relay remained energized in seriesvn'ith the slowacting relay 6() and thernetormagiiet-.-1Whenthe switching relay 80 inthe. connectoroperates, the .loop circuit. includingthe relay-'zlsis opened 'at .armatures Stand 86;;:=Following the. line. conductors at thisinstantoithe operation, it.\vill be seenthat theyternlinate inl open contacts of armatures 78wand6uof the ring-cut-ol relay 75;.tSince relay' 7'5 ibas not been loperated yet, :the :loop .cii-'cuitjor relay 15 is open 'and this relay"deenergizes.= It disconnects .itself-trein the loop circuitat its armature 16 and tatits armatureff18it bridges the .backbridgerelayf-20 across'the talking conductors.v ;Tlic circuit of .theback bridge .relay 2O isfcompleted upon operation of. the i'ing-cutfoti'-relnyl 75;;'and maycbe traced as follows:v Ground',- u )perlwinding of relay 20, restinf'contact-an :ar-maturefl; make: contact an armature-6,- :wiper.-.? 2,` terminal 37, talking conductori59 .ot-heycon-l nector,.ar1nature .86 .and its-make contact; make Contact and :armature :78,fafr'matur`f85 and .itsz make: contact, Wiper- ?93, -subscribenis linefterininal" 97,' subscribersstation, and back :to the?. subscriber-ls liner terminal. 94, ivi-per .91,.1nalee:,contaet and armature 82, armature f 76,-; and its make contact, make contact and armature A81 talking conductor 57v of the connector; terminaln, wiper; 33, armature 48 and itwmake contact@ armature 7 and )its make contact,'-resting--contact and armature L8, lower' windingof back bridge relay 20, to battery.- -The relay2'0 supplies talking current to the called subscribers station. .Upon energizing it'operates 'its'armature 21 and opens thereby a point-in the cir cuit ofA the relay 15. The connection b etween the. calling .and the called party is nowI established. -v The V:releaseo thcswitches takes-placeA when .the subcribers replace theirmecewers When the calling party replaces his receiver, the'line relay5 :in the selector will -decnergizel At-itsarmatur'e 6, the'line --relay disl connects ground zfrom the relay ILO-and closes the normally closedr contacts-controlled'by armature -6 tofshortcircuit the relay' 10;

'-Thelatter :accordingly deenergizesend opensits armature `13.- When-thisfoccurs, the circuit for the testing and switching relay 45 in series-'withthe holding relay 50 of the connector will-be opened and' these two relays leenergize At armature l2, the relay 10 disconnects ground from the holdingr conductor 3 but reconnects ground supplied over the o-i'iormal springs 27. Ground remains therefore Connected to 'the release trunk 53. during the release of thesritches, for the. purposeof guarding the selector against seizure during the r e.l' e:`1seA movement. At armature '22, thel relay 1Q connects 'there lease magnet 40 to thefcirouit@ The circuit for the release umgignet,I (vill 'be completed upon t'lie'deelnergiztionof the Aswitching rolayf'l aiicl'-may l)e`-t1 1.ce l v from ground, 'o'lfnori n all spngsv 29,v armature' '47 and its @Stins-lpuatlargrlafue -22v and its. resting "tt'g maand'rmaiifeelxud wild.-

' @infima-.wal minds t0' th completely' returned 'to' normal posi tion. VAn "Fig, 14 there is'only'slown.'one'goi-normal having wipers movable s'llc'zeessfiv'e'elfyfn'- ap'lurality of straight- 1in-efmtipnsf'in-u'iffeeht planes, terminals- "acessible' t'j said' wipers, a rotatable croularimmbe,'malis'for "r0- tating'said mem'be'r in a'-elkiivise direction for moving saidwipers su'(z'cessiwalyinz two different planes to Iselect#certainf'Of'sid terminals,` and n ieansforf rotating 'mein'- beri in an anti-cloclr-"Wise dir'ectioi-for-moving said wipers-"-nt'lfnor'mal lpositioxffi 3. Aii .autbm'atosWlthirig'g;'5"Iriiechanism having movable Wipers; 'stationary terminals a rotatable circular dise''mer'n'beigY 'and -means for progressively rotating: fsa-id member in .a continuous clock-Wise' direction-ion moving said wipers infra plurality`f-"of successive straight lin'e'motis 'to' 'select/f'certain 'Of's'ail terminals-i". *i f- 1' ffif' i '4. An automatic l?" `m'eliani'sm havin'g movable Wipers, stationary-termi nals, a rotatablecirculr 'disc nienib'erg and means for progressivelyottingl said` 'mein- 35 8 l-An ber in acontinuous clock-Wise direction 'loi' moving said Wipers in a plurality of straight line motions executed in succession to 'f-.i-leri. certain of said terminals, eacli motion oi i said Wipe'rs being in a different plane.

5. A.n automatic switching mechanism having inovabley'ipei's, vst .z'i'tionary termiY nals, a rotatablel circular disc ineliiiber, :infl means for progressively rotating said mem-- benin, a, continuous cloelivise direction 'loimloviiigsa'id ,rvipeiisin aplurality cisti-aight line mot1ons executed i i i succession vto .select certain," of Vsaid tei'miiials," eacli niotioii o i 4Said Wipers1 being' 4ina.ditlerent direction. (6;. automatic s vggitcliiiig mechanism lia-ying (movablemivipers stationary terminasi artetbla circula; member, means for rotating said memlien 4in, ,a ,cloelr-ivisej ,direction for moving said wipers Aplurality .o motions; .executedin gsiiccess'ion. to, sel ect centaine.,fidaerminala seflwiwtien Ofsfli d Wipers beissen@ different plane, and .means for- 1` tating, s ai diiieniber in aii antisclocli- Wise irectron onimovingsaid wipersiiiio fnorillelifpositioiif@ alimenti@ sxtline .mechanism having movable vWipe's, stationary termii'ials` .awrotatable circular dise miiiberxmeans .fOr pijogressivel. rotating-g aidmember; in a con tinuous doeii-wise direction, andmeans 'aotuated by said member 13.. moving ;saiil renners in! wider-.elim Otis messi@ motions -to f select certain,ontsaidterminalsb` eacliino tionbenginfadiierentiPlane, if;

@internetman-itching...mechanism :ha .11g Ombles Wipers, :.staticnaly terminals, ef rotatable circula-1': member, www animating- .fsar member). in a deck-wise rdirection,. iiieans actuated` by saidginember for moving said vviper s in ,tivo successive Zstraight.lineinotions to ,select ,f certain: of .s aid terminals, each motionbeinglfin :initierent 1plane,l and .means for rotating said Amember. in antifcloeknvisedireetionorrestoring said wipersto normalposition .having stationary .terminals arranged in 'groups-ina pluralityfof rows, Wipers mount- .ed on Ia movable carrier, a movable 'member, means for locking said,earrier against move ment and for seeuringthe' same to said meinber,l 1operating {means- Amounted o n movableV member forimparting movement .theretoto position 'said wipersoppositeadesired row of termnals,.means for locking said .member against movementand ,for unlockfing '-.Said carrierzfrem said: member, and means for re-aetuating s aid voperating means to impart movement to said carrieptog posi- -tiQil said. super-sian certain.terminals/Within said seleeted'row. .1Qff1n .a signalliiig. System, .ail'u'tometi 'Switching mechansmior extending e Calme@- tion from a callingstation to a called sta- 5 tion, said mechanism having terminalsari .evi/191 ranged in groups in a plurality of rows, Wipci's mounted on a movable carrier, a. movable member, means for securing said carrier to said men'ibei' and tor locking tlie same against movement, operating means mounted on said member and dii'eel ively controlled by a calling station vfor ii'iiparting movement tlici'elo to position said wipers opposite a desired row ol terminals, means for locking said member against movement and for unlocking; said carrier from said member, and means for actuating' said operating means automatically to impart movement to said carrier to select terminals \\*i'i'.liin said row.

11. In a signalling system, an automatic vswitching ineclia'iiism'for extendingr a connection from a calling station to a called-station, said mechanism having terminals arranged inx groups in a plurality of ron-fs, wipers mounted on aA movable cari-ier, a` movable member, means for securing said carrier to said' member and foi' locking same against movement, operating means directiively Acontrolled by a calling-statioi'i for ir'i'iparting movement to' saidmembnto p o'sition said Wipers opposite u desiied roivof terminals, means for lockingfs'aid member against movement and for unlocking s ald carrier from said `mem-ber, means for automatically actuating said operating means to ni'ovefsaidc'arrifj to select terminals ii-'itlijii'i said row, and means for-automatically actuating said operati'iig means to move said ,carrier and said member'iiito normal position.

12. Iii a. signalling system, an automatic switching device for extending a connection from acallingstation to a called station',- said devicehaving access to bare wire terminals arranged inigioups in aplurality. off-rows accessible to a plurality of said devices, Wipers mounted on a carrier movable two directions in right angle tov each other, means for locking said carrier against movement in one direction, a rotatable circular member,

means `for progressively moving said member in a continuous clock-Wise direction under directive control of a callin station to move Vsaid carrier to position sai Wipers opposite to a pliiralityof said devices, Wipers mounted on a carrier movable .in two directions, means for locking said carrier against movement in one direction, .a'rotatable circular member, means for progressivet moving said member in a continuous cloc -l'Wise 'direction under directive control of a calling station, means operated by said member to move'said carrier tozselect a certain one of said iovvsffoftxerminals, means for locking said carrier againstfsaid first :movement and for liberating the samefor movement in .the second direction', means `for-automatically moving said carrier Ito' select terminals within said selected row7 and means :for automatically 'moving Isaid carrier'into normal Position. "1 5 14. In a signalling'systeinteanrautomatic 'switching device'ffo'r 'extendinga connection matically'l rotating= said f'oireular memberito move saidcarrier'to select'ftermnals Within said selected row', and means-frf-automatical-ly rotating saidv circular member'to fm'ove saidcarrierfintofrnonnialf position.i 'i 'f. i i" 15.- f In' fail signalling systemg ian automatic "switchingl device4v forfext'endingf fa connection from'a calling station -toa called'lstation,

bare'wiref terminals-I a'rranged in 'groupsg'sai'd device? having` access fsaiditer'minals 'in common'with. a'. plurality. offother fclevices, Wipers mounted Eo'i'i a carrier movable 1n two circular menberrotatable in -elock-wisef-and in anti-clockiwis'ef direction,1 means: 'for rotating said circularf member clock-Wise' un der directive' *control 'ot "a calling A'stat'ifjmfo'r moving s'aid-carrier'in tbefir'st direction to position said Wipers 'opposite aidesire'd'row of terminals, means for rotating,lr said circular membervv clockewise automatically tor movin;y said carrierin'the'seconddirection to position said"vvizpers upon certain" terminals within said' Selected row, and-means for automatically rotating' lsaid `circular. member anti-cl`ockwise to move said carrier` into normal position.- i 1 fit .16, In a signalling system, an automatic switching device'for extending aconnection from a calling'station =to ai'c-alled station` bare Wire terminals arranged in groups in vertical Arows accessible'to a plurality of said devices, wipers mounted on a carrier' movable in two successive straight lline motions. an electromagnet,"means for lirst operating said electromagnet under directive control of a callingfstationand ltor then :operating said electromagnet a'ntomatically,' means 'comprising a circulaimember rotatable progres sively and continuously and controlled by said elelctroinagnet when the same is under directive control for moving said carrier in a first direction to position said wipers op posite a certain. row of terminals. and means .including said circular member controlled by said electromagnct when the same. is operated automatically for moving said carrier yin-a second direction" to position said wipers upon terminals within said row.

117: In a signalling system, an' automatic switching device for extendingT ay connection 'from a callingr station to a-called station, said device having access tobare u'ire Iterminals arranged in groups in verticalrows,wipers mounted ona fcarrie'r movable in two directions indifferent planes, an electrolnagnet.v` 'means for first operating said electromagnet under directive control .-of a. *calling station 'and' for-then'operating said 'ielectioinagnet automatically, .means ;l comprising a i circular inember: rotatable progressively. and continuously and controlled by said velectromagnet whenthe same is under directivecontrol for moving said carrier in a first direction to position said wipers opposite: a certain row of terminals, means controlled by-said electromagnet When the 'same is operated'automatically for moving saidearrier ina second 'direction to position said 'ivi'pers upon-termi- -nals Withinf saidrovv;v andr separate electrom'agnetic means fori rotating said *circular 'member' to moveL said' carrier into vnormal Position-f i-- 18. In asignalling systeiman' automatic switching 'device -for *extending connections between calling and called' stations, said 'device' having accessto stationary'bare wire terminals disposed .inv groups, vWipers mounted on Aa 'carrier'lrnovable in' straight line motions in a plurality of planes, anelectroin'agnen' ireans for l'irst operating said electromagnet under directive'feontrol of callingstation and for then-operating said elec- "tromagnet automatically. =means including a circular member rotatable'progressively and continuously and controlled by said electro- .magnetwhen the same is under directive control for moving said carrier in a certain plane to position said Wipersopposite a certain group otfterminals, and means controlled by saidelcctromaqnet when the same isioperatedautomatically for moving said carrier 4inanothen plane-parallel to said group to position said Wipers upon terminals fwithin said group.' a' s 19. Ina signalling system, an automatic switching' device for extending connections between calling and* 'called'V stations, said 'device'li'avina' access to stationary bare wire terminals disposedin groups, wipers lmounted on a'carrier .movable in successive straight line motions in a plurality of planes` 'an electromagnet,` means 'for' lfirst operating sa'id electromagnet yunder@ directive control oli-a calling stationvahd fonthen operating said electromagnet automatically, means in- (ifi cluding a progressively rotatable circular member eontrolledby saidY electromagnet .when :the sameizfisrunder directive.: control for moving said carrier inacertain vplane'to positiorrsaid Ivvipers\opposite"a certain group of terminals,l Vmeanscontrolled: bys'aiilffelectromagnet when the-.same is .operated -automatically for moving. saidcarrieriirrizlnother plane but parallel to/.said'l group :tocfpdsition said Wipers u'pon `terminals` Yivit'liin :isaid group, anda. separate electromagnetic means for actuating said circular.. memberl tonnove said'carrier intdmormal position lv: i c u 20.-.- -In'ra "signalling: 'slystcnuz iii'i f automatic switching device foriiexteqdingikoniections be'tween calling 'andf"xtarlledr/stations;esaid Adevice having necesit? statgiona'rybare Wire terminalsv disposedfirn groups, ,wipers fmount.- ed 2 .on a;carrler anovable Aihfa :fpluralitywof planesfanelecbr'omagret!mcazns forefirst;.cprerating.: said: Eelentornagnet E under :',directlve control yof :1i/:calling E stationan'd .1 for then operating saidielectrpmagnet.' automatically, -means J:includinge'a Jpaogressivelv :i rota tablal circular meinber directly.Vr controlled by. .Cl

directiveontro fovmoviirgasaid cari-ier 'i'n a certainplanef opositien aidzwipers/opp site :a2 cet'ain 1giuip,of:terminals means :i11- rcluding .said P.crrcularlnueminer controlled ,by said electromagnet When the same is .operated a-utomaticallyffor -Jmojiifg `said 4carrier? in calling'- and; fcalledgistations,` said. switch liavfingfaccess ini rcomrnon--vithn a f plurality. of otlierisWitclies-to .Stationary. .bare -Wire' te'rminals disposedjingroups; wipers mounted vonza carrierj movable'inva plurality-of planes, ani electrofmagnetically controlled driving .means including.'l a progressively ,rotatable circular.. member, means .ffot initially actuatingsai'd means under directive control 'of-a calling station fand ora-then actuatingA the same automatically,.means controlled by said driving means, when -lmder -directive control, for moving said carrier 1n a certain pla-ne to position said .Wipers opposite a certain group offzterminal's, ,and-means con` trolled byi-,saidv-driving; means; fivhenfactuated automatical13V,l fonmovging said carrier in, another plane but parallel to saidgroup 'upon terminals YWitloswitch for extending connections between calling andcalled stations, said switcli'having access'- in'coinmo'n; witha plurality'7 of 4other-ax switches -tofsta'tionary bare wire :t'er- -minuls ydisposed in groups, wipers mounted on a'oarricr-movablein a plurality of planes, anr velectromagnetioallylI4 controlled driving means, Imeans forv initia'lLy-z'rctuatingk 'Said means under .directive @control of acalling station and for then actuating the same. automaticallyuimeans controlled by vsaid drivingmeans, Whei'i"under directive controlg'fio'r ,moving said,carrierivinefae cert'anl plane to position: said Wipers .opposite'a certa-in .group of terminals, means-controlled by- :sddriving means,ffwhen actuated ,automatically-tor ixnoving Lsaid carrier-in :another I i planet` but .parallel to tlle plane o-;f; fsaid selectedgroup imposition saidvrrpeisupmi)terminals-:with 'inlisail' grdup','; andseparate means' for ac-tu- Eating` Asaid l driyi'nggmoanszd nwyeysaid-f car` ..rii.iuto'normelifpostiOn-i?, 1'! l' 5...1

w23: Inf-'a' signalling systeman ia'utoiiiabic switch or extending; connections g; between callingl andgicallefl stationslsaidvswitch havfingfacde'ssf tof stationarybare wire terrninfltls disposed; in -Agnoupsgwipersgmounted on 'a carrier :removable-, in ljayffplurality otpljanes, :tiri 'i electroinagnetically-,i controlled; y drivingr -lueans includ-ing* .la vprogressively` rotatable Acircular .fm'embe-r, ',lieans-,for 4initiallya'otufating saidA ,means-.wunder .directivejcontrcl' of :l Call-ing SitraiiQnind tori then actuating the .samenautcmatcalli inea-us5 whtrelld f by ,Said.' drivig meansfviien -under directive cnntrOL-ffor mcvingisad;carrier-ine' Certain plane topositionsaid wipers opposite al cer'- vtain`- .-vgroupof: eterninals, and A means controlled by, .sadf'drirving imei-ms.,- when este vated-fautomatically rior; moving said :carrier fin another ,plane but;paralle l;to said group Vvto positionsaid Wipers jupon' terminals- :withl` in Said groups :tlle-lnoy-emeetsfof seft; ;ri'erfbe,i ng.;ezecuted in straight line-motions. 21Min telephonegfsystem-, a' p luraltypf switches, 'lines Aaccessible -to saidswitchcs and disposelin groups pnrallelyto euclrotbern a' terminal -ield. comprising? bare fW-ires sus` pe'ndcd verticalli'g'gw-ipers in each of said switches, and;;a -sin giledriving meansI com prisingffa Yprogressively lrotatableci rcuflar member fojr moving @Said Wipers -in two suc`V cessve motions to 'selects al desired `line.' l ,fz

25. In a telephone system,,a plurality or swiftclies,l lines accessiblet said switches :md disposed in groups.parallcl.to each-other in `a -terminal'ffleld comprising -.bar`e,-Wi,res. Suspended vertically, vwipers-A in cach lof .said switches; and fa; single dtving' means .includdugva. progressively rotatablerulari-memswitches-lines. admissible-fte seid. vSwitches .and

disposedv in groups parallel to each other in a terminal Iield comprising bare Wires suspended vertically, wipers in each of said switches, a single driving means including a progressively rotatable circular member for moving said Wipers in a plurality of straight line motions to select a desired line and a single driving means for moving said Wipers to'normal position.

27. In a telephone system, a purality of switches, lines accessible to said switches and disposed in groups parallel to each other in a terminal field comprising bare Wires suspended vertically, wipers in each of said switches, and a single driving means including a progressively rotatable circular member for moving said Wipers in a plurality of straight line motions in different planes to select a desired line and for moving said wipers to normal position.

28. In a telephone system, a plurality of switches, lines accessible to said switches and disposed in groups parallel to each other in a terminal field comprising bare wires suspended vertically, each line'comprising three wires, Wipers in each of said switches, a progressively rotatable circular member, a single electromagnetic means for actuating said member to move said wipers successively in a plurality of straightline motions to select a desired line, and a single electromagnetic means for actuating said memberto said Wipers to normal positionk'" 29. In a telephone system, a plurality of switches, lines accessible to said switches and disposed in groups parallel to each other in a terminal field comprising bare wires suspended vertically, wipers in each of said switches, a rotatable circular member provided with a ratchet, means for rotating said member in a clock-wise direction to position said wipers upon a desired line, and means for rotating said member in reverse direction to move said wipers to normal position.

30. In a telephone system, a plurality of switches, lines accessible to said switches and disposed in groups parallel to each other in a terminal field comprising bare wires suspended vertically, each line comprising three wires, wipers in each of said switches, a rotatable circular member provided with a ratchet, means for rotating said member in a clock-wise direction to move said wipers in a plurality of successive straight line motions in different planes to position said Wipers upon the terminals of a desired line,`

and means for rotating said member in reverse direction to move said Wipers to normal position.

31. In a telephone system, a plurality of switches, lines accessible to said switches and disposed in groups parallel to each other in a terminal field comprising bare wires suspended vertically, wipers in each of said switches, a rotatable circular member provided with a ratchet, means for rotating said member to move said wipers in a plurality of successive straight line motions in different planes to select a desired line, and means for rotating said member to move said wipers into normal position.

32. In a switching apparatus, wipers mounted on a movable carrier and having access to stationary terminals, a pulley mechanism including a driving wheel and a supporting wheel, and a single electromagnetic means for actuating said pulley mechanism progressively vin one direction to move said carrier in a plurality of successive motions in dillerent planes to position said wipers on certain terminals.

33. In an automatic switching device, wipers mounted on a movable carrier and having access 'to stationary terminals, a pulley mechanism' including a driving wheel provided with a` ratchet, a single electromagneticmeans -for operating said pulley by means of said ratchet to move said carrier in a plurality of successive motions in different planes to position said Wipers on desired terminals, and `a single electromagnetic means for operating said pulley by chetA to'move said carrier to normal position. I

34. In a switching device, a plurality of wipers, terminalsaccessible to said wipers, a pulley mechanism, and a single electromagnetic means for actuating said mechanism to move said wipers in a plurality of successive motions to position said wipers ondesired terminals.

35. In a switching device, wipers, terminals, a pulley mechanism, and a single electromagnetic means for operating said mechanism progressively in a single direction to move said wipers successively in a plurality of different directions to position the same upon desired terminals.

36. In a switching device, wipers, terminals, a pulley mechanism, a single electromagnetic means for actuating said mechanism progressively in one direction to move said wipers successively in a plurality of diierent planes to position the 'same upon certain of said terminals, and a separate electromagnetic means for actuating said mechanism in reverse direction to restore said wipers to normal position.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 27th day of April, A. D. 1927.

JOHN WICKS. 

